Teaching Science In 3D
234 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 43 ratingsAn on-the-go professional development podcast for busy science teachers. Get a grip on the new science standards and discover ready-to-use strategies to “NGSS your science class.” Don’t just teach the NGSS -- become an NGSS teacher.
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Episodes
130 Where We've Been & What's Ahead
August 02, 2023 01:00 - 8 minutes - 5.88 MBIt's been a while! Tune into this quick update to learn more about where we've been, what's ahead, and how you can keep learning with us. 🚨 New Podcast! Sincerely Yours, Intentional Teach Apple Podcasts Spotify Join The Podcast Community: iExplore Teaching & Learning Lab You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! ...
129 Three Commitments I Made (And Mostly Kept) This Fall
December 19, 2022 11:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, Nicole shared three commitments she made in her classroom as she transitioned back into the classroom this fall -- as well as strategies that she utilized to keep those commitments. "I’m not working [much] outside contract hours." "I’m not rushing through my curriculum to get it covered." "I’m not relying on grades as motivation." She also shared a life update as she takes on a new role in her school and what's ahead for Erin, Nicole, and the Teaching Science In 3D Podc...
128 It's A Tool, Not A Fix
December 12, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBIn this episode, Nicole shares an aha moment she recently experienced as she was prompted to reflect on her thinking about the strategies and approaches she utilizes in her classroom. So often we seek out the "one right way" to do something, hoping it to be a "fix" for whatever challenge we are experiencing in the classroom. But the reality is, all of our strategies, approaches, materials, tricks... they're all just *tools* -- not fixes. Explore this idea more in this thought-provoking episo...
127 Establishing An Anchor Phenomenon Routine
December 05, 2022 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBThe anchor phenomenon routine plays an important role in science classes as students develop their abilities to figure out the questions they need to answer to meet their learning goals. In a perfect world, students work through an anchor experience, ask exactly the right questions, and all together identify and decide the most important question to investigate first... but we know these things don’t always (ever?) happen. So how can we get our students where they need to be? An anchor pheno...
126 From Whole Group To Small Group Learning
November 28, 2022 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBIn this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares a few ideas for moving from whole-group instruction to stations-style, small-group learning. Small group activities create the opportunity to work with students individually, scaffolding and extending learning as needed. Because you can interact on a more personal level, it's a great way to meet students' needs academically while also strengthening student-teacher relationships. Moreover, small group learning keeps all students actively engage...
125 A Bell Ringer Approach To Start Class Smoothly
November 21, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBWhat is your start-of-class routine? Is it working? In this episode, Nicole shares her bell-ringer routine -- a transition time that can make-or-break a smooth class experience. She digs into the actual structure of her routine, how she holds students accountable for the tasks, and how she integrates curiosity-building, student-empowering, three-dimensional activities into those first few minutes of class. More Resources: 109 Improving Your Classroom Culture After a Break 111 Rethink Yo...
124 Your New Favorite Places To Find Authentic Science Texts Adapted For The Classroom
November 14, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBWe win any time we can incorporate literacy in science into our daily lessons and activities. One low-prep strategy that I love to use is to ask students to analyze authentic science texts… but let’s be real, those are HARD to understand. Luckily, there are several organizations who do the amazing work at adapting real science work to a student reading level. More Resources: Three Easy Ways To Support NGSS-Aligned Literacy (iExploreScience) Text Annotation Strategy Guide: Student Key & R...
123 Teaching Text Annotations - Your New Favorite Literacy Strategy
November 07, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBIn this episode, Nicole shares how she teaches students to annotate texts, a strategy they can pair with any reading task in the science classroom. Text annotations increase student engagement and comprehension when working with science texts, and they provide the educator a better peek into student understanding of text-based tasks. Plus, text annotations make for a simple, low-prep substitute plan. But of course, you have to teach students the art of annotating texts, and in this episode, ...
122 Rethinking THAT Class - What To Do When Classes Feel Like A Challenge
October 31, 2022 10:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBIn this episode, Nicole shares her personal reflections on the "labels" we may (inadvertently) assign to classes and how that can impact our relationships, classroom culture, and teaching practice. She shares how this label developed with student block in her own classroom and what she is doing to "rethink and reset" her experiences with this group of students in order to bring more joy and ease back into their work of learning. More Resources: Join The iExploreScience Weekly Newsletter ...
121 Establishing A Positive Classroom Culture With Respect Agreements
October 03, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBIn this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares how she has used respect agreements to establish a positive classroom culture and prevent (and address) behavior challenges within her classroom. What are respect agreements? In short, respect agreements are an effective classroom management strategy that create a stronger community culture than top-down rules and consequences. Through the agreement development process, all students are given a voice in the establishment of our classroom norm...
120 Informal Writing In Science Class
August 29, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBIncorporating informal writing opportunities in your classroom can improve student understanding of the scientific content while building student confidence in their ability to communicate in writing. This episode explores some ways to support student writing and some quick and easy task formats to bring more writing into your science classroom. Additional Resources Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you h...
119 The Best Strategies for Teaching Science Vocab
August 22, 2022 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBWay back in episode 19, Nicole discussed why you shouldn't front-load science vocabulary. This is one of our most popular episodes. So, we decided to bring you more practical strategies and activities for teaching Science Vocabulary. If you haven't already, check out episode 19 first. Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will ...
119 The Best Strategies For Teaching Science Vocab
August 22, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBWay back in episode 19, Nicole discussed why you shouldn't front-load science vocabulary. This is one of our most popular episodes. So, we decided to bring you more practical strategies and activities for teaching Science Vocabulary. If you haven't already, check out episode 19 first. You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the N...
118 Bringing Nature Journals Into Your 3D Teaching
August 15, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBIn this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience interviews Sarah Suloff, a life science/biology teacher with a passion for and expertise in using nature journaling in the classroom. She shares why you may want to consider bringing nature journaling into your classes, her experience doing so, and some practical tips and tricks to get started. If you would like to follow up with Sarah, you can find her at https://www.instagram.com/sarah.lynn.science/ --- and please share your experiences...
117 How to Improve Observation Skills in Your Science Classes
August 08, 2022 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.8 MBHave you noticed your students' observation skills aren't what you'd like them to be? You aren't alone. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about how to improve students' observation skills. This episode s full of easy-to-implement ideas for the first few weeks of school. Click here to read the episode recap. Other Episodes to Check Out Incorporating Student-Centered Science Stations All About Anchoring Phenomena Using Student Questions to Build Storylines Other Reso...
116 Why You Shouldn't Teach An Intro Unit
August 01, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBLet's talk about those back to school activities. Despite the many shifts we've seen teachers making in their classroom, we've seen several teachers continuing to use old practices. Even if they've ditched the scientific method, many teachers are still teaching an intro to science unit. In this episode, Erin discusses some of the reasons why you should skip this intro unit. Instead, teach skills in context. Check out the full episode recap here. Other resources: Is it time to ditch the...
116 Why You Shouldn't Teach an Intro Unit
August 01, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBAre you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
116 Why You Shouldn't Teach and Intro Unit
August 01, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBAre you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.
115 How Can You Use Science Notebooks And Interactive Notebooking?
July 25, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBThis episode comes from a listener's question about science notebooks. Lindsay from New Mexico asked the following question. "I would love to learn more about incorporating interactive notebooks into the NGSS classroom. Do you follow [the] left/right side [structure]? How do you grade them? Do you use them as a lab notebook as well?" This is a simple question with lots of parts. So, we'll answer. them one at a time. Click here for the episode recap. Other Episodes to Listen to 35 Be...
114 What To Do When Your Science Curriculum Isn't Built for 3D
July 18, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBYour district adopted a science curriculum. You hoped it would be well aligned with the NGSS. But, after reviewing it, you realized it wasn't built for 3D learning. You aren't alone. This week we answer this question from Kim in California. The name of the publisher she mention has been removed because we believe the problems she is discussing are not unique to this particular publisher. Kim says "I am a 7th and 8th-grade science teacher. Our district adopted [an integrated curriculum]. ...
113 Incorporating Student-Centered Science Stations
July 11, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBWhile traditional classrooms put teachers as tellers front and center, transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards and a more student-driven approach to science instruction understandably moves the work of students to the main stage. Incorporating science stations is one way to create a classroom that values and emphasizes active learning, shifts ownership and responsibility for student work where it belongs (to your students!), and creates an environment where teachers can more e...
112 What's The Difference Between Evidence And Reasoning?
July 04, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBThe CER is a framework that was created to help students with the practice of engaging in an argument using evidence. It helps them understand the difference between parts of an argument. However, it is often confusing for them to distinguish between evidence and reasoning. We received this question from Ben in Michigan. "The difference between evidence and reasoning gets very blurry. I don't understand the difference." Don't worry Ben! We are here to help. In this episode, Erin explains...
111 Rethinking Your Classroom Management Plan
June 26, 2022 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBMost often, we think of the back-to-school time as the best time to rethink your classroom management plan. However, it's never a bad time to rethink your strategy in the classroom. Arguably, this school year was the most difficult one for teachers. If you struggled with classroom management, you weren't alone. In this episode, we discuss what traditional strategies to keep. Then, we let you know which strategies are better left in the past. To read the full episode recap, click here. O...
110 How to Start Teaching Science in 3D - 2 Simple Strategies
June 20, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBTeaching science in a three-dimensional learning environment often feels overwhelming. Many teachers ask us where to start. Here's our answer: It depends. Each teaching situation is unique. There are differences in time constraints, demographics, resources and so much more. Therefore, your strategy for approaching 3D teaching and learning also needs to be unique. In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss two main strategies for getting started. And, they list several episodes that you can...
Spring 2022 Update - Find out what's happening next!
April 18, 2022 10:00 - 2 minutes - 2.01 MBWonder where we have been? Listen to this quick update to find out about the next episode of the podcast. We would love to answer your questions on the podcast. Please submit them at teachingsciencein3d.com/quesitons. Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons? Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab thi...
Spring 2022 Update - What's Happening Next?
April 18, 2022 10:00 - 3 minutes - 2.56 MBWonder where we have been? Listen to this quick update to find out about the next episode of the podcast. We would love to answer your questions on the podcast. Please submit them at teachingsciencein3d.com/quesitons. You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/w...
109 Resetting Your Classroom Culture After Break
December 20, 2021 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBIn this episode, Nicole and Erin help you craft a game plan for returning after a break -- from actually taking a rest to making the transition back to teaching in a way that sets you and your students up for success. More Resources: Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience. Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription. You're invited to check ...
108 How Your Students CAN Do This!
December 13, 2021 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBWhat do you do when you feel like your students can't do something? In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss steps that you can take to move your students forward when they are struggling. More Resources: Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience. Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription. You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an ...
108 How Your Students CAN Do This!
December 13, 2021 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBWhat do you do when you feel like your students can't do something? In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss steps that you can take to move your students forward when they are struggling. More Resources: Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience. Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription. You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an ...
107 How Your Students CAN do this!
December 06, 2021 11:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBWhat do you do when you feel like your students can't do something? In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss steps that you can take to move your students forward when they are struggling. More Resources: Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience. Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
107 Helping Your Students Engage In Authentic Learning
December 06, 2021 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBAuthentic learning requires our students to step up and truly engage, truly join the process. But in truth, that's easier said than done... for our students. Learning is scary! It makes us vulnerable. There is a real risk of failure, of embarrassment, of challenging the good things we think about ourselves and reinforcing the bad things. So how can we support our students in taking this leap? How can we scaffold exploration and discovery? In this solo episode, Nicole shares a few ways you ca...
107 Helping Your Students Engage In Authentic Learning
December 06, 2021 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBAuthentic learning requires our students to step up and truly engage, truly join the process. But in truth, that's easier said than done... for our students. Learning is scary! It makes us vulnerable. There is a real risk of failure, of embarrassment, of challenging the good things we think about ourselves and reinforcing the bad things. So how can we support our students in taking this leap? How can we scaffold exploration and discovery? In this solo episode, Nicole shares a few ways you ca...
106 Five Strategies For NGSS Implementation In Elementary School
November 29, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBThe NGSS completely changed the world of science education. As a result, the NGSS can feel completely overwhelming for elementary teachers. However, most of the changes are actually easy to implement. And, they lead to major improvements in students' understanding of the nature of science. In this episode, Erin provides 5 simple steps that you can use to begin meeting the intent of the NGSS in your classroom. You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video seri...
106 Five Strategies for NGSS Implementation in Elementary School
November 29, 2021 11:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBThe NGSS completely changed the world of science education. As a result, the NGSS can feel completely overwhelming for elementary teachers. However, most of the changes are actually easy to implement. And, they lead to major improvements in students' understanding of the nature of science. In this episode, Erin provides 5 simple steps that you can use to begin meeting the intent of the NGSS in your classroom.
106: 5 Strategies for NGSS Implementation in Elementary School
November 29, 2021 11:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBThe NGSS completely changed the world of science education. As a result, the NGSS can feel completely overwhelming for elementary teachers. However, most of the changes are actually easy to implement. And, they lead to major improvements in students' understanding of the nature of science. In this episode, Erin provides 5 simple steps that you can use to begin meeting the intent of the NGSS in your classroom.
105 Are There Fewer Labs With NGSS?
November 22, 2021 11:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBIn this episode, Nicole and Erin answer the listener question, "Are there fewer labs with the NGSS?" Like many things with the NGSS, there isn't a simple answer. Get their take on NGSS and lab activities. More Resources: Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience. Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription. You're invited to check out Bri...
105 Are there fewer labs with NGSS?
November 22, 2021 11:00 - 13 minutes - 9.13 MBIn this episode, Nicole and Erin answer the listener question, "Are there fewer labs with the NGSS?" Like many things with the NGSS, there isn't a simple answer. Get their take on NGSS and lab activities. More Resources: Grab Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Plan Template Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience. Get on the waitlist for the Spark Subscription.
104 What To Do With A Chatty Class
November 15, 2021 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBIf you are a teacher, chances are you've been overwhelmed by students talking at least once in your career. And, we have all had those classes that are SUPER chatty. It feels like you can't get a word in edgewise. So, what do you do about it? In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss what to do when your students never seem to stop talking. They explore common assumptions around student talk. Then, they provide strategies to help you deal with your chatty class. Other Episodes to Check Ou...
103 Understanding The SEP Progression
November 08, 2021 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBOne of the common mistakes that teachers make with Science and Engineering Practices is that they teach students the practice at the wrong grade band level. Written as a progression from kindergarten through 12th grade, the practices become more complex as students get older. The idea is that students have the opportunity to get more proficient as time goes on, carrying out each practice at a more sophisticated level. We've talked a lot about this progression on the podcast, but in this epis...
103 Understanding the SEP Progression
November 08, 2021 11:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBOne of the common mistakes that teachers make with Science and Engineering Practices is that they teach students the practice at the wrong grade band level. Written as a progression from kindergarten through 12th grade, the practices become more complex as students get older. The idea is that students have the opportunity to get more proficient as time goes on, carrying out each practice at a more sophisticated level. We've talked a lot about this progression on the podcast, but in this epis...
102 Create "Common Language" And Improve Communication In Your Science Class
November 01, 2021 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBIn any community, communication is key. Your classroom is a community, and establishing effective communication practices is vital to success and "smooth sailing." But communication is HARD. Whether it's expressing directions or expectations, or digging deep into feelings and advocating our needs -- communication is not easy. In this podcast, Nicole shares the 5 Point Scale strategy you can use to improve communication in your science class -- both from teacher-to-student and from student-to...
101 The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement
October 25, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBWhen things aren't working, sometimes you need to come back to the basics. In this episode, we look at the brain science behind student engagement (or lack thereof) in the classroom. In the midst of a global pandemic, the "stuff that gets us by" might not be effective enough to "get us by" -- so we may find value in returning to the foundations of authentic engagement and successful 3D teaching: strong classroom relationships, safe community, and routines. This episode (the first of a short ...
The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement
October 25, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBWhen things aren't working, sometimes you need to come back to the basics. In this episode, we look at the brain science behind student engagement (or lack thereof) in the classroom. In the midst of a global pandemic, the "stuff that gets us by" might not be effective enough to "get us by" -- so we may find value in returning to the foundations of authentic engagement and successful 3D teaching: strong classroom relationships, safe community, and routines. This episode (the first of a short ...
100 What We've Learned About 3D Teaching
October 18, 2021 10:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBNicole and Erin have learned so much in the last 100 episodes! In this episode, they recount what they have learned about 3D teaching in the last 100 episodes. They talk about where they are now and how it is different from where they started. They discuss their wins as well as their challenges and mistakes. You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching p...
100 What We've Learned About 3D Learning
October 18, 2021 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBNicole and Erin have learned so much in the last 100 episodes! In this episode, they recount what they have learned about 3D teaching in the last 100 episodes. They talk about where they are now and how it is different from where they started. They discuss their wins as well as their challenges and mistakes.
99: Crosscutting Concepts - 6 Examples of How to Use them in Your Classroom
October 11, 2021 10:00 - 14 minutes - 9.8 MBNow that you've taught your students about the Crosscutting Concepts, it's time to use them in your classroom. The more often that students make connections to the CCCs, the more valuable that they become. In this episode, Erin provides you with 5 easy-to-implement Crosscutting Concept examples to use in your classroom. Click here to see the full episode recap. Also, before listening to this episode, make sure that you have heard episode 98: How to Teach the Crosscutting Concepts ...
99 Six Examples To Use Crosscutting Concepts In Your Classroom
October 11, 2021 10:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBNow that you've taught your students about the Crosscutting Concepts, it's time to use them in your classroom. The more often that students make connections to the CCCs, the more valuable that they become. In this episode, Erin provides you with 5 easy-to-implement Crosscutting Concept examples to use in your classroom. Click here to see the full episode recap. Also, before listening to this episode, make sure that you have heard episode 98: How to Teach the Crosscutting Concepts ...
98 How To Teach The Crosscutting Concepts
October 04, 2021 10:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBEven though the Crosscutting Concepts are a vital part of student understanding of science, they are often forgotten in the lesson planning process. In this episode, Erin discusses how to evaluate your lessons and teach the Crosscutting Concepts. Check out the episode recap here. Other Episodes: 29: How to Integrate the Crosscutting Concepts 64: Quick wins with the Crosscutting Concepts Resources: Get Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Planner Template Buy Erin's Crosscutting Concept Referen...
98 How to Teach the Crosscutting Concepts
October 04, 2021 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBEven though the Crosscutting Concepts are a vital part of student understanding of science, they are often forgotten in the lesson planning process. In this episode, Erin discusses how to evaluate your lessons and teach the Crosscutting Concepts. Check out the episode recap here. Other Episodes: 29: How to Integrate the Crosscutting Concepts 64: Quick wins with the Crosscutting Concepts Resources: Get Erin's FREE 3D Lesson Planner Template Buy Erin's Crosscutting Concept Referen...
97 Start Your Science Unit With These Accessible Activities
September 27, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBWhen you are starting your unit, you want to make sure that your activities are very accessible for all students. In this episode, we discuss activities that don't require a lot of prior knowledge to complete. These will help lead your students into the unit in a meaningful and attainable way. Other Resources: Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Submit a Question Explore phenomenon-based, discovery-centered learning with iExploreScience. Get on the waitlist for the Spark...